Jacksonville, NC Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Chapter 12 of the Jacksonville City Code licenses massage businesses and the masseurs, masseuses and massagists who work in them, though it exempts licensed hospitals, clinics and practitioners such as physicians, chiropractors and osteopaths, along with school athletic trainers and massage therapists who hold recognized national certifications or out-of-state licenses in good standing. Anyone who wants to open a massage business or practice as a masseur, masseuse or massagist must first file a written application with the mayor and city council through the city manager under section 12-26, and cannot operate before receiving a privilege license from the city finance officer.

Applicants must submit written proof of good moral character and a health certificate from a medical doctor, and corporations must supply the same for every officer, agent or employee who will work in the business; a copy of the application and certificates goes to the police department. Licensees must also file the names, home addresses, phone numbers and workplaces of all employees with the chief of police, updating that list within seven days of any change, and the chief of police or a designated officer can periodically inspect licensed premises.

Licensed operators may only conduct business between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. under section 12-7, and it is unlawful for anyone under eighteen to patronize a massage parlor without a signed treatment order from a licensed physician. Treating a patron of the opposite sex requires a dated physician's, osteopath's, chiropractor's or physical therapist's order specifying up to ten treatments, logged on-site for police inspection. The city council can revoke a license for failing to perform a required duty, violating any chapter provision, a moral-turpitude conviction, or running the business in a way that creates a nuisance or menace to public order, health, safety or morals, after the chief of police recommends revocation and the licensee gets at least ten days' written notice before a hearing.